Phase One has engineered a clever RAW file format compression named
Intelligent Image Quality (IIQ). The IQ4 provides five di
ff
erent versions of the
IIQ RAW format to ensure that you can always pick the best depending on
whether image quality, size, or workflow speed is the most important. In
addition to saving the captured images as RAW, you can also add a IQ Style
and save a jpeg version.
You choose between the di
ff
erent RAW file formats on the IQ4 by tapping on
the
File Format
icon on the
Camera Controls
screen or by selecting the
IQ4
Menu > File Settings > File Format
.
RAW file formats
The IIQ RAW files are saved either in a 16-bit format for highest image quality
or in 14 -bit when storage space and speed are of importance too. These are
the five options (
IIQ 14 Smart
is the default):
IIQ 16 Extended
This format is an enhanced version of IIQ 16 Large (see
below) that provides an even lower base noise. It o
ff
ers the very best in image
quality when you need to extract extra detail in the shadows. As a
consequence of the lower noise readout from the sensor, the frame rate is cut
in half. It is recommended to use this format at base ISO 50 to enjoy the full
benefits.
IIQ 16 Large
A completely lossless compression format that saves the full 16-
bit signal from the CMOS sensor. It o
ff
ers excellent image quality when you
want to take full advantage of the dynamic range of the sensor.
IIQ 14 Large
Saves a 14-bit version of the RAW file using a completely lossless
compression. It provides a smaller file size and faster capture rate compared to
IIQ 16 Large and strikes a good balance between high image quality and size.
IIQ 14 Smart
Is an intelligently compressed RAW file format, which strikes an
excellent balance between file size and image quality. It can be used in almost
all applications as the “Smart” compression is so e
ffi
cient that it can be
di
ffi
cult to notice any di
ff
erence over the IIQ 14 Large. However, since there is a
very small loss of data, Phase One does not claim that IIQ 14 Smart is
completely lossless, but what we call “near lossless”.
IIQ 14
This RAW format is the perfect solution when you
need a lower resolution file but still want to retain all the advantages of the
RAW file. When selected, the RAW file will be exactly a fourth of the
normal 151-megapixel resolution, giving you a 37,7-megapixel file. You will
maintain the advantages of the RAW format, like being able to adjust white
balance.
Capture One supports the
RAW files from the IQ4 150MP and they
will work just like any other RAW files.
File formats
It is worth to point out that the technology
is more advanced than just traditional pixel binning
since it is happening directly on the IQ4 150MP
sensor where the pixel data is organized in a unique
way to create “super pixels”. Also, the
technology on the IQ4 150MP do not have any
e
ff
ects on the chosen ISO values.
58
File formats
XF IQ4 Camera System Manual |
